Virtual tour Rapallo 360°
The busy tourist port is at the west end of the promenade. The ancient Castle, instead, is at the other end.
A few metres from the shore, surrounded by water, is the Castle built in 1551. It was designed by Mastro Antonio Carabo to protect the town from the raids of fierce pirates, who ransacked Rapallo in 1549.
Its structure was intended to suit the use of firearms, which were beginning to replace traditional weapons at that time.
Originally it had two floors. On the lower floor were the dungeons, while on the upper one was a firing square.
It was built entirely in stone with walls that were over two metres thick. Its only external openings were meant for the cannons in all four directions.
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At the beginning of the XVII century a new floor was added, which served as a new firing square. A tower was also built with ornamental battlements without embrasures. Shortly afterwards a small apartment was built for the Captain of Rapallo .
When the Castle was no longer needed for defence it was converted for civil use.It was finally restored in 1964 and today it houses temporary exhibitions.
From Rapallo you can take a boat to Santa Margherita, San Fruttuoso, Portofino, Chiavari and Lavagna and experience the unique beauty of the Gulf of Tigullio. Alternatively, you can walk to the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montallegro, founded in 1557. It is 612 metres above sea level. For this reason, the scenery is absolutely marvellous. If you are afraid the walk may be too tiring for you, you can take a cable car.
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